Annie Marie (Gilliam) Speller

Annie Marie Gilliam Speller, age 75, went to receive her Heavenly reward on Sunday, April 19, 2020.  She passed away at Central Harnett Hospital in Lillington, NC.
Annie, also known as “Ma”, “Nana”, “Pig”, “Piggie” and “Honeybun” was born March 8, 1945 in Windsor, North Carolina to the late Ethel M. Mitchell Gilliam and the late Henry Gilliam. She attended the public schools of Windsor, NC.
Annie was as tough as nails, but as gentle as a lamb.
Annie was gifted in sewing, upholstery, canning, decorating, cooking and art. She was gifted with her hands and always creating something. She also had a keen eye for a bargain. If you needed it she knew where to source it at great price. She was such a resource for many.
Annie will be affectionately remembered for her love of searching the scriptures, cooking and sharing with others no matter what the event would be.  She will also be remembered for all of her beautiful hats. Whatever the occasion, she had a hat befitting.
Annie was famous for her cakes, pies, collards, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, tomato puddings and everything else she cooked. When invited into her home, she would always prepare a feast.  She would always say “Take all you want home with you.”  She was never selfish in her desire to feed others and reminding them of the love of God.
Annie was a member of Speller’s Chapel Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ) and served as a Mother of the Church.  She also served as a missionary, part of the sick committee and kitchen committee in her involvement with churches. Even in her illness, she ministered and encouraged those who were part of her care team. A nurturer at heart, she always had the strength to impart her motherly wisdom. She was a strong believer in mentoring younger women and teaching them how to skillfully balance, home, husbands, children and work. She was a servant at heart and Annie served The Lord faithfully until her earthly departure.

Annie was preceded in death by her parents, Ethel and Henry Gilliam, her sister, Elnora Gilliam and the love of  her life, her husband of 53 years, George Ben (Bozie) Speller.
Annie went peacefully into eternal rest on Sunday, April 19, 2020 leaving her family with the assurance that she was well with her soul. Her precious spirit and memories will be everlasting for her children Zellene Speller Cochran of Raleigh, NC, Ken Speller (Angelia) of Rocky Mount, NC, Jenita Speller Bardlavens (Timothy) of Atlanta, GA, two grandchildren: Serene Cochran of Raleigh, NC, Joynese Speller of Rocky Mount, NC and her cherished great grandson, Gavin Alexander Speller whom she called “Big Man”; an adopted daughter/sister/friend, Brenda G. Moore of Williamston, NC; her siblings, Henry Gilliam, Jr. of Plymouth, NC, Otis Mitchell of Salisbury, MD, Dorothy Gilliam Johnson of Washington, DC and Elizabeth Gilliam Garrett of Washington, NC; brother in laws; William Sheppard of Rembert, SC, Elijah Sheppard of Quantico, VA, Edward Bond of Windsor, NC, sister in laws, Ellen Emanuel of Williamston, NC, Zellene Laney of Virginia Beach, VA, Mary Bond of Windsor, NC and a hosts of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

There will be a graveside service on Friday, April 24, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Hillcrest Cemetery in Windsor, NC with Pastor Ronald L. Spruill, Sr. officiating.
 

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